City Guide: Sydney

Koalas, Kangaroos, and brekkie for days – don’t let the long flight deter you from venturing Down Unda! Sydney has quickly become one of my favorite cities I’ve visited with its casual culture, sun-kissed beaches, and unassuming gems. I’ve been Down Unda to visit Sydney twice now, spending the last two New Years with Brett & his family in Bondi Beach. The city is centered around the Sydney Harbor where the famed Opera House and Harbor Bridge reside and Sydney’s coastline is peppered with beautiful beaches and outlined scenic coastal walks. It’s such a laid-back city that offers so many nature-based activities such a great range of cuisines and coffee on every corner. The Aussies know how to do breakfast “brekkie,” practically inventing the avo smash!

This year Brett & I were discussing going to Melbourne for a weekend to split-up the trip but decided to just hang in Sydney and do little day trips & coastal walks around the city. I feel like I really got familiar with with the city and I wanted to (finally!) put together my City Guide as I’ve gotten quite a few requests since I went for the first time last year. Enjoy!

Shuk Bondi (Bondi) – One of my favorites! Get the Full Israeli Breakfast or the classic Shakshuka (with halloumi!) Don’t sleep on their sweet potato fries! They also have a Shuk Bakery two blocks away!

Sydney Opera House – Probably the city’s most-iconic building! Grab a drink at the Opera Kitchen and soak in the view! I don’t think you need to do a tour through the Opera House as you can get pretty up-close. The best views are from a ferry in the harbor!

Royal Botanical Gardens – Great to take a stroll through… it’s right next door the Sydney Opera House and it’s free!

Palm Beach – Drive an hour drive north of Sydney to enjoy a hike up to the Palm Beach Lighthouse (it took us about 30 minutes) then grab lunch at The Boathouse or stop at The Newport on the way back into town!

Manly – Take the Fast Ferry from the Sydney Harbor to Manly. It’s about a 20-minute ride with amazing views of Sydney Harbor! I’d recommend doing the Coastal Wak from Spit to Manly – Uber to Spit when you arrive in Manly, then take the coastal walk back. Online it says 3 hours, but we managed in about an hour and a half. Be sure to Enjoy lunch at Hugo’s on the wharf and drinks at Manly Greenhouse after! You can go to Manly Beach or Shelly Beach!

Blue Mountains – Great hikes, about & hour and 20 minutes outside of the city.